Isnino Iftin came to the United States as a refugee and has lived in Buffalo since high school. She graduated from University at Buffalo with bachelor’s degree in psychology and linguistics in 2019. Isnino is currently pursuing a PhD in educational culture, policy, and society through the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo.

Throughout her undergraduate studies, Isnino was committed to giving back to the communities in Buffalo. Her role as a Say Yes ambassador and youth service counselor for Community Action Organization allowed her to remain connected and provide services to the communities of Buffalo. She has also worked with and supported the Somali-Bantu Community Organization of Buffalo. In her doctoral program, she serves as a graduate assistant to the First-Generation Research Center (FGRC), where she works with faculty and students to investigate first-generation students’ challenges. The goal of FGRC is to identify institutional strategies designed to help these students succeed while in college.

Beyond her doctoral degree, Isnino plans to start a language school that provides high-quality early childhood education to students from low income and minoritized communities. Most importantly, she plans to create job opportunities for Western New York residents.